Lady&#39;s slip



April 22, 1952 G. C. ELDER LADY S SLIP .2 SHEETSSHEET fi Filed Sept. 20, 1948 G. c. ELDER 2,593,739

LADYS SLIP April 22, 1952 I 2 SHEETSSHEE T 2 Filed Sept. 20, 1948 swam/to: 6'1 E/YN 6." H051 ATTOR N EYS Patented Apr. 22, 1952 UNITED TgENT OFFICE 8 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to articles of wearing apparel.

More particularly, this invention relates to an improved feminine garment of the type commonly referred to as a ladys slip.

As is well known in the apparel art, one of the principal diificulties usually encountered in the design and manufacture of feminine slips results from the conflicting requirements involved in the use of such garments. Thus, on the one hand, it is highly desirable that an under-garment such as a slip be closely form-tfitting so as to present a minimum of bulges or bunching of the material, and therefore, it is essential that there be no excess material in the garment and that overlapping seams and the like be reduced as muchas possible. On the other hand, it is highly desirable to provide a slip which is relativelyeasy to put on and take 011?, and therefore, in view of the widely varying proportions of the-feminine figure, it is apparent that a certain amount of stretching must be provided for particularly in the waist or midriff portion of the garment.

Although the foregoing requirements, at first glance, would appear to be practically irreconcilable, it is common knowledge in the art that both requirements as to form-fitting and stretching may be met'by cutting the material of which the slip is made on the bias or at an angle to the :regular thread pattern or weave of the tex-'- tile fabric. However, slips formed entirely in this fashion possess still another highly undesirable characteristic in that they tend to twist or ride up about the body of the wearer, and consequently, may become uncomfortable or unattractive in appearance for this reason. Since the bias-cut fabric will provide the necessary stretch in the garment and since the straight-cut material eliminates the tendency of the slip to ride up or twist, attemptshave been made in the past to provide garments embodyingboth types of material in .an efiort to utilize the more desirable characteristics of each type, but so far :as is known, none of these prior attempts has resulted in the production of a garment which is entirely satisfactory on all counts.

Accordingly, the principal object of the present invention is to provide a garment of the type dsecribed formed of a plurality of individuallycutsections and embodying both straight-cut and bias-cut material so constructed and arranged as to utilize the mostdesirable features of each type, although retaining a minimum of the undesirable features thereof.

a form-fitting slip of the type described which -may be readily put on but which will not ride up in use and which embodies a deeply-cut diamond-shaped midrifi section cut on the bias and extending below the waist line of the wearer to present a smooth and attractive appearance.

A further object of the invention is to provide a ladys slip of the type described having a threegore skirt portion, the front gores of which are straight out and joined together along one edge to form a center front seam and are bias cut along another edge and joined to a rear gore which is cut entirely on the bias.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a novel rear gore for a slip of the type described which is cut entirelyon the bias and which includes awaist portion formed integrally therewith.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel three-gore skirt of the type described wherein the front gores are cut'along rather sharply curved lines so as to smoothly follow the hip line of the wearer and to provide, in combination with the bias-cut integral rear panel and waist, for the smooth fitting of a variet of different hip sizes.

The foregoing, as well as numerous other objects and advantages of the invention, together with a clearer understandingof the precise nature thereof, will become more readily apparent to one skilled in the art from. a consideration of the following detailed specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures of the drawing wherein,

Figures 1, 2 and 3 are, respectively, front, rear and side views in perspective showing a slip in accordance with the present invention in normal wearing position upon a model;

Figure 4 is an exploded plan view illustrating the various slip panels and sections prior to sewing or stitching them together to form the front of the slip; and r Figure 5 is an exploded plan view illustrating the slip panel and section forming the rear of the slip of Figure 1 prior to sewing the same together.

Referring now in somewhat greater detail to the various figures of the drawing, and in particular, to Figure 1 thereof, there is illustrated a slip constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and comprising generally an upper bodice portion If), an intermediate portion 12 and a skirt portion designated generally by reference numeral l4. As perhaps 3 best shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4, the upper bodice portion l6 is formed from a plurality of individual sections of a suitable textile fabric material such as silk, rayon or the like, designated, respectively, by reference numerals l6, I8, 26 and 22. Each of such sections is provided with a suitably curved edge 24, 26, 28 and 38, respectively, the edges 24 and 26 and the edges 28 and 30 being adapted to be sewn or otherwise secured together in such manner as to provide relatively enlarged pockets at the bust portion of the garment. I

It is to be particularly noted in Figure 4 tha each of the sections l6, I8, 28 and 22 is cut substantially entirely on the bias to provide a close, form-fitting construction, although the respective upper edges 32, 34, 36 and 38 of these sections are straight out with respect to the weave of the material so as to minimize any tendency of the upper edge of the assembled garment to stretch or otherwise become distorted. The inner edges' 4ll and 42 of the sections [8 and 2!! respectively are preferably formed with a suitable hem, and instead of being stitched together in final'assembly, these sections are merely joined together by means of a narrow strip 44, thereby providing a variable opening 46 to enhance the fit of the garment. Conventional shoulder straps 41 and 49 are secured to the upper border or the garment and are preferably adjustable in the usual manner.

The bodice portion ID of the slip at the rear of the garment is formed by a generally rectangular section 48 illustrated in Figures 2 and 5, and it will be particularly noted that this section 48 is cut substantially entirely on the bias. In assembling the garment, the laterally outer edges 56 and 52 of the section 48 are sewn or otherwise secured to the extreme outer edges 54 and 56 of the sections I6 and 22 respectively. The upper edge 58 of the section 48 is preferably hemmed in any convenient manner so as to complete the upper edge or border of the assembled garment along with the upper edges 32, 34, 36 and 38, previously referred to.

As illustrated particularly in Figures 1, 3 and 4, the intermediate portion l2 of the slip at the front of the garment is formed by a generally diamond-shapedsection 60, and again it will be particularly noted that the section 60 is cut substantially entirely on the bias to provide both a form-fitting and stretchable construction, thereby permitting the slip to be readily drawn over the head and shoulders of the wearer. As shown in these figures, the middle portion of the intermediate front or midrifi section 6!! is relatively deeply cut, or in other words, is provided with a pronounced width from top to bottom so as to extend well down below the waist line of the wearer. In assembling the garment, the top edges 62 and 64 of the midriif section 60 are sewn or otherwise secured to the bottom edges l1, l9, 2| and 23 of the front bodice sections l6, l8,'26 and 22, respectively, in such manner as to provide a smooth, even seam.

The lower or skirt portion l4 of the slip comprises two front gores 66 and 63 (Fig. 4) and a rear gore 18 (Fig. 5), the three gores being constructed and assembled together in a unique fashion. As illustrated in Figure 4, the front gores 66 and 68 are provided with matching edges 12 and 14, respectively, which are straight out with respect to the weave of the fabric and which are joined together in final assembly by stitching or the like to form a center front seam. The

opposite edges [6 and 18 of the front gores 66 and 68, on the contrary, are cut on the bias with respect to the fabric weave and the top edges 8!! and 82 of the respective gores 66 and 68 are relatively sharply curved. In assembling the slip, the curved upper edges 86 and 82 of the skirt gores are sewn or otherwise secured to the lower edges 84 and B6 of the midriif section 68.

Referring now particularlyto Figures 2 and 5, it will be noted that the rear skirt gore 10 is cut substantially entirely on the bias and includes outer bias-cut edges 88 and 90 adapted to be suitably secured to the respective edges 16 and 18 of the front gores 66 and 68. The rear gore II! also includes an integral waist portion 92 having a top edge 94 adapted to be secured to the bottom edge 96 of the rear bodice panel 48 and a pair of laterally outer edges 98 and I80 adapted to be secured to the respectively adjacent edges I82 and I04 of the front midriif section 68. It will also. be noted that during final assembly of the slip, the lower curved edges I06 and H38 formed at the juncture'of the waist and skirt portions of the rear gore 18 are adapted to be secured to a portion of the curved edges 80 and 82 of the front gores 66-68.

Although the foregoing description has been directed principally to a lady's slip which has been selected solely for the purpose, of illustration, as a preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that the principles of the invention may be equally applicable to other types of feminine garments, such as nightgowns or the like, and in some cases may also find considerable utility in connection r with outer garments such as skirts, dresses, coats and the like. By virtue of the straight-cut edges on the center front of the gores 66 and 68, the usual twisting or riding up of the garment is substantially eliminated, while at the same time the bias cut at the rear of these gores provides a large measure of elasticity, thereby contributing tothe wearers comfort in sitting, bending or other body movements, and also minimizing the danger of bursting along the seams.

' Attention is also particularly called to the provision of a unitary rear skirt gore and waist section which is cut substantially entirely on the bias, thereby lessening any possible strain through the hip and waist portions of the garment and preventing any bunching of the material at these locations. This particular construction has been found to be highly desirable in providing enhanced elasticity, thereby contributing to the wearers comfort in sitting, bending or other body movements. Furthermore, by employing a seamless, bias-cut, combined rear gore and waist, the garment affords an unusually smooth fit and even drape for a large variety of different hip sizes.

Another feature of the slip in accordance with the present invention resides in the combination of a bias-cut, diamond-shaped midriif section, to-

gether with the curved skirt gore edges. As is well known, the standard pattern slip which is made sufiiciently large to enable it to pass readily over the shoulders of the wearer will ordinarily be found to be too large at the waist. However, a slip constructed in accordance with the present invention may be easily passed over the shoulders of the wearer and at the same time, will afford a smooth and snugfit at the waist. The sharply curved upper edges of the front gores also contribute to the superior fit of the garment which follows the contour of the hipsand body and provides a freedom of movement heretofore impossible of attainment with standard out slips of known construction. .l

Obviously, numerous modifications, alterations and deviations from the specific structure disclosed herein as a preferred embodiment solely for the purpose of illustration, will occur to one skilled in the art without departing from. the principles of the invention. Furthermore, while only a single preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in detail, it is to be understood that numerous changes can be made in size, materials and arrangement of parts without departing from the principles of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, What I claim as novel and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A ladys slip of the type having a plurality of individually cut textile fabric sections stitched together to form a smooth fitting body sheath comprising, an upper bodice portion including four front sections of double thickness cut generally lon the bias but having their topedges out on the straight and an elongated rear section cut substantially entirely on the bias and having its lateral outer edges sewn respectively to the lateral outer edges of the assembled front sections, a front midrifi section of generally diamond shape cut substantially entirely on the bias and sewn along its upper edges to the lower edges of said front bodice sections, said front midrifi section being cut sufficiently deep so as to extend below the waistline of the wearer, and a three-gore skirt portion comprising a pair of front gores each having a substantially straight out and a bias cut edge and a rear gore cut substantially entirely on the bias, said front gores being sewn together along their straight out edges to form a center front seam and being sewn along their bias cut edges respectively to the edges of said rear gore, each of said front gores further having a sharply curved top edge sewn to the lower edges of said front midriff section, and said rear gore including an integral waist section sewn along its upper edge to the lower edge of said rear bodice section and along its lateral outer edges to the respective lateral edges of said front midrifi section.

2. A ladys slip of the type having a plurality of individually cut textile fabric sections stitched together to form a smooth fitting body sheath comprising, an upper bodice portion including a plurality of front sections cut generally on the bias but having their top edges out on the straight and a rear section cut substantially entirely on the bias and having its lateral outer edges sewn respectively to the lateral outer edges of the assembled front sections, a front midriff section cut substantially entirely on the bias and sewn along its upper edge to the lower edges of said front bodice sections, said front midrifl" section being cut sufficiently deep so as to extend below the waistline of the wearer, and a skirt portion comprising a pair of front gores each having a substantiallystraight cut and a bias cut edge and a reargore cut substantially entirely on the bias, said front gores being sewn together along their straight out edges to form a center front seam and being sewn along their bias cut edges respectively to the edges of said rear gore, each of said front gores further having a sharply curved top edge sewn to the lower edges of said front midriff section, and said rear gore including an integral waist section sewn along its upper edge to the lower edge of said rear bodice section and along its lateral outer edges to the respective lateral outer edges of said front midriff section.

'3. A ladys slip of the type having a plurality of individually cut textile fabric sections stitched together to form a smooth fitting body sheath comprising an upper bodice portion including a plurality of front sections cut generally on the bias buthaving their top edges .cut on the straight and a rear section cut substantially entirely on the bias and having its lateral outer edges sewn respectively to the lateral outer edges of the assembled front sections, a front midriff section cut substantially entirely on the bias and sewn along its upper edge to the lower edges of said front bodice sections, and a skirt portion comprising a pair of front gores each having a substantially straight out and a bias cut edge and a rear gore cut substantially entirely on the bias, said front gores being sewn together along their straight out edges and being sewn along their bias cut edges respectively to the edges of said rear gore, each of said front gores further having a sharply curved top edge sewn to the lower edges of said front midriff section, and said rear gore including an integral waist section sewn along its upper edge to the lower edge of said rear bodice section and along its lateral outer edges to the respective lateral outer edges of said front midriff section.

4. A ladys slip of the type having a plurality of individually cut textile fabric sections stitched together to form a smooth fitting body sheath comprising, an upper bodice portion including a plurality of front sections cut generally on the bias but having their top edges cut on the straight, a front midriff section cut substantially entirely on the bias and sewn along its upper edge to the lower edges of said front bodice sections, and a skirt portion comprising a pair of front gores each having a substantially straight out and a bias cut edge and a rear gore cut substantially entirely on the bias, said front gores being sewn together along their straight cut edges and being sewn along their bias cut edges respectively to the edges of said rear gore, each of said front gores further having a sharply curved top edge sewn to the lower edges of said front midriif section, and said rear gore including an integral waist section sewn to said bodice portion along its upper edge and along its lateral outer edges to the respective lateral outer edges of said front midriff section.

5. A garment comprising, an upper bodice portion, a midriif section cut substantially entirely on the bias and sewn along its upper edge to the lower edge of said bodice portion, and a skirt portion including a pair of front gores each having a substantially straight out and a bias out edge and a rear gore cut substantially entirely on the bias, said front gores being sewn together along their straight out edges and being sewn along their bias cut edges respectively to the edges of said rear gore, each of said front gores further having a sharply curved top edge sewn to the lower edge of said midriff section, and said rear gore including an integral waist section sewn to said bodice portion, to said midriff section and to the curved top edges of said front gores.

' 6. A garment comprising, an upper bodice portion, a midriif section cut substantially entirely on the bias and sewn along its upper edge to the lower edge of said bodice portion, and a skirt portion including a pair of front gores each aaosnss having a substantially straight out and a has cut edge and a rear gore cut substantially entirely on the bias, said front gores being sewn together along their straight out edges and being sewn along their bias cut edges respectively to the edges of said rear gore, each front gore having a top edge secured to the midrifi section, and said rear gore including an integral waist section sewn to said bodice portion, to said midriif section and to the top edges of said front gores.

'7. A garment comprising, an upper bodice portion, a midriff section, and a lower skirt portion including a pair of front gores each'having a substantially straight out and a bias cut edge and a rear gore cut substantially entirely on the bias, said front gores being secured together along their straight out edges and being secured along their bias cut edges to said rear gore, each front gore having a top edge secured to the midrifi section, and said rear gore including an integral Waist section secured to said bodice portion, to said midrifi section and to the top edges of said front gores.

8. A garment comprising, an upper portion,

and a'lower skirt portion including a pair of front gores each having a substantially straight out and abias cut edge and a rear gore cut substantially entirely on the bias, said front gores being secured together along their straight out edges and being secured along their bias cut edges to said rear gore, said rear gore including an integral waistsection secured to said upper portion and to said front gores, and means securing the front gores to said upper portion.

GLENN C. ELDER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Seldin -1 Jan. 18, 

